Alex Nunez
SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford, Australia, FPV

Click image for hi-res gallery

Introduced at last year's Sydney Motor Show, the Ford territory-based FPV F6X has launched Down Under. It's just another in the string of Oztacular FPV products exclusive to the island continent, and it is the first FPV machine that isn't based on the Falcon sedan or ute. With looks that are reminiscent of the Freestyle/Taurus X, the all-wheel-drive F6X won't ever be confused for either thanks to its turbocharged 362 hp (270 kw), 405 lb-ft (550 nm) inline six and the performance it brings. The suspension is ret-uned for sport duty and the 18-inch rims hide upgraded brakes, featuring 6-pot Brembos in front, which heel the beast when necessary. Inside, a spiffy two-tone leather motif is standard, and outside, exclusive badging and optional striping are all part of the appearance package. Overall, it's pretty cool. The same can't be said for its price: $75,990 AUD is the starting number -- no small amount of cabbage for our Australian friends. Note to Ford: See? If you offered more cool stuff like this in the US, the brass wouldn't be reduced to making Homer Simpson jokes about the current product. TwinForce EcoBoost Taurus X SHO... do it already.

[Source: FPV]

Gallery: FPV F6X

PRESS RELEASE:
FPV Launches Powerful 'F6X' Sports SUV

Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) has today set a new benchmark in performance motoring with the launch of the hot sports F6X, the most powerful six-cylinder SUV in the Australian market.

Powered by the class leading high-performance F6 270 Turbo 4.0-litre DOHC in-line six-cylinder engine, the F6X produces 270kW of power and 550Nm of torque, figures that are unmatched by any local or imported luxury six- cylinder SUV equivalents.

"The F6X is a premium, FPV enhanced version of the successful Ford Territory." FPV General Manager Rod Barrett said.

"It builds on the best attributes of that vehicle and adds additional performance without compromising on ride comfort and safety.

"Quite simply, the F6X is the most powerful six-cylinder SUV available in Australia."

The Australian designed and engineered F6X is the first non Falcon-based vehicle produced by FPV, which extends the FPV brand into new markets and offers customers a unique opportunity in Australian performance motoring.

"The F6X was designed for families that want a competitively priced, high performance luxury SUV," Barrett said.

"FPV has delivered a vehicle that combines the powerful performance of a turbo charged I6 with luxury sports design cues and outstanding driving dynamics to create the ultimate sports luxury SUV.

"It is priced well below its imported luxury equivalents, but still delivers the high performance and luxury enhancements expected from a premium SUV vehicle."

The F6X's 270kW powerplant is matched to the renowned ZF six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time All-Wheel-Drive system.

Through a unique spring and damper calibration, FPV engineers have re-tuned the ride and handling to produce a firmer sports feel, which further enhances the primary ride control of the vehicle.

Further complementing the performance sports suspension is an upgraded brake package featuring premium front Brembo six piston calipers and 355mm x 32mm ventilated rotors, and rear 328mm x 26mm ventilated rotors with single piston sliding calipers.

The Alpine Silver finish on the18-inch five-spoke alloys is also exclusive to the F6X.

To match the higher engine outputs, sportier suspension and bigger brakes, FPV engineers also developed a unique Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) calibration for the F6X.

"The result is a DSC system that is not too intrusive during spirited driving, but provides great control during handling manoeuvres," Barrett said.

The F6X is fitted with a number of advanced active and passive safety features, including four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with traction control and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

Standard equipment includes side curtain airbags and dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, a Reverse Sensing System and reverse camera.

Exclusive two-toned leather interior

"The unique styling of the leather seats is a standout, eye-catching feature of the F6X and contributes to the sports luxury feel that permeates the entire vehicle," said Barrett.

The seats feature a unique Shadow and Pumice two-tone seat trim, with the striking F6X logo embroidered on the adjustable head rests.

The two-tone treatment is continued through to the third row on the seven-seat variant.

The instrument cluster features the FPV logo, an engine speed red line and distinctive FPV blue illumination, while FPV scuff plates and alloy pedals add to the list of interior appointments.

Each vehicle comes with its own unique build plate mounted on the gear selector surround.

The premium Interior Command Centre (ICC), with dual zone automatic climate control and large colour screen, is finished in a unique Molten Metal accent colour, while the leather door trim inserts are finished in Pumice.

External accents stand out from the crowd

Unique F6X exterior styling cues include a high-tech front mesh grille insert with Molten Metal highlight, as well as a rear spoiler and alloy running boards with a matching body colour surround.

The exterior design also features Molten Metal accents on the front skid plate, bonnet air scoop, door mirror scalps and rear skid plate.

The vehicle features distinctive F6X 270 badging, and a unique F6X 270 stripe package is available as an optional extra.

Exterior paint colours on the F6X include Ego, Lightning Strike, Nitro*, Seduce, Sensation*, Silhouette, Velvet* and Winter White.

The F6X's recommended retail price is $75,990 and will go on sale nationally from February 29th, 2008
*Nitro available from April 2008, Sensation available from March 2008, Velvet available from August 2008

Source: FPV F6X launches in Australia

Damon Lavrinc
Spy Photos, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Mercedes Benz

We've already been given a taste of what the next Mercedes SL will look like ahead of its official unveiling in Geneva this March and despite the previous spy shots, we were still in the dark about what would come after AMG worked its wizardry on Mercedes' new high-dollar coupe. CAR was able to get the exclusive details on the SL65, which is being built in cooperation with HWA, the same folks who develop vehicles for the DTM/German Touring Car Championship.

That means that prodigious power is only the tip of the iceberg. But to be specific, 670 hp and 737 lb.-ft. of torque will be squeezed from the supercharged V8, with torque being limited to 555 lb.-ft. in first and second gears to avoid all the oily bits from being strewn across the tarmac.

In keeping with the Black tradition, AMG will outfit the coupe with massively flared fenders, plenty of aero-enhanced body panels (made up of carbon fiber), upgraded brakes, and a new Sportshift transmission that uses a wet clutch to transmit power to seven speeds. 19-inch wheels will be mounted in front, with 20-inchers out back and according to CAR, the Black Series will be around 550 pounds lighter than its pedestrian counterpart.

To make sure that absolute power doesn't corrupt absolutely, the price of the SL65 Black Series is set around £193,000. Stiff, but considering the SL can be flung to 60 in 3.9 seconds and can top out at 200 mph, it's officially in supercar territory. Sales will begin six to nine months after the last SLR rolls off the line and will share the McMerc's exclusivity with only 400 examples being produced.

[Source: CAR]

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL

Source: Spy Shots: Details on the Mercedes-Benz SL65 Black Series

Sebastian Blanco
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Ethanol, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, USA

The U.S. Department of Energy announced the recipients of the department's first round of cellulosic ethanol biorefinery project funding yesterday. Four small-scale projects will share $114 million of federal funds. The grantees are:

• ICM Incorporated of Colwich, Kansas will get up to $30 million for a plant to be built in St. Joseph, Missouri.
• Lignol Innovations Inc., of Berwyn, Pennsylvania will get up to $30 million for a proposed plant, to be built next to a petroleum refinery, in Commerce City, Colorado.
• Pacific Ethanol Inc., of Sacramento, California, will get up to $24.3 million for a plant coming to Boardman, Oregon.
• Stora Enso, North America, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin will get up to $30 million for a plant in Wisconsin Rapids.

These plants will use a staggering variety of biofuelstocks: corn fiber, corn stover, switchgrass, sorghum, hard and soft wood residues, agricultural and forest product residues, and wood waste. You can read more details on each of these plants at the DOE website.

One interesting aspect of the DOE's announcement is that there was an "overwhelming response" to the solicitation for proposals and so the DOE will be offering a second round of funding this spring that will bring the DOE's funding to $200m. We know that GM and Coskata will be applying for some of these second-round grants. We'll be keeping an eye on who else applies and then wins.

Related:

• KL Process Design Group to supply cellulosic ethanol for ALMS
• Detroit 2008: GM and Coskata announce worldwide cellulosic ethanol partnership

[Source: DOE]

Source: DOE finds $114m for cellulosic ethanol